The Heavy Weights of Kutch
After experiencing the misty deciduous forests of Dang, coastal towns of Saurashtra, the wilderness of Gir, we head out to the dry, dusty, sparsely populated and climatically the least appealing region of Gujarat, Kutch. With the two major ports at Kandla and Mundra being the near-most to the Gulf and Europe by Sea route, the region sees incredibly high number of freight movement. Alco, EMD, Python, and double stack containers, you can see them, round-the-clock!
After the morning session at Hadakiya Creek, we also wanted to cover the other bridge that connects Great Rann with LRK, near Adesar on the Samakhiali - Palanpur section. As we take the flyover towards Radhanpur, we did not miss to take a shot of Samakhia
As we took the road towards Radhanpur from Samakhiali, we overtook a coal laden BOXN rake powered by a WDG-4. (Raghu Jayaraman)
With the road free from traffic, it was not too difficult to get ourselves ready to greet the train at this beautiful curve just ahead of Lakadiya. (Harish Kumar)
The railway line on the Samakhiali - Radhanpur section. Up ahead is Nanda Bet and the Rann of Kutch (Harish Kumar)
We rode straight past Adesar where the little Rann of Kutch meets the Greater Rann. Only upon arriving here, we discovered that there is no bridge similar to that of Hadakiya Creek that connects the two Rann. The water bodies are connected through nullah
Right in the middle of the road bridge across the creek is the border of Kutch and Patan region / district of Gujarat. Here is the full view of the WDG-4 houled BOXN rake across Rann of Kutch. (Harish Kumar)
This place was incredibly hot, but offers great bird watching opportunities. While we wait for the only other train, we know is coming, the Bhuj - Palanpur Passenger, the birds kept us engaged. (Raghu Jayaraman)
About an hour later, the passenger towards Palanpur flew past us with Vatva WDM-2 #18728 (Harish Kumar)
So did the birds too... upon seeing the train, the birds flew away to a safer distance. (Raghu Jayaraman)
Palanpur bound pasenger train from Bhuj, hurries towards it next scheduled halt at Lakhapat. Also note the two Karnavathi livery coaches. (Raghu Jayaraman)
As the Palanpur bound train reduced to dot, it is time to say good bye. We thank all our friends, relatives and strangers who came along to help us to complete this not so easy travel through the diverse landscape of Gujarat. Until next time, folks! (Ha
As we return, we wonder, where next? (Harish Kumar)